Am I Scary for You? Minstrelsy, Metamorphosis and Michael Jackson

Books Read So Far for This Blog/Subject Area

2012-02-03T03:10:00.001Z

To be added to and amended as it happens... Edward Burra, John Rothenstein, Tate Gallery, 1973 Mythologies, Raymond Barthes, Paladin, 1972 Prince, The First Decade, Per Nielson Dream Boogie - The Triumph of Sam Cooke, Peter Guralinck, Little Brown & Co, 2005 Holler if You Hear Me: Searching for Tupac Shakur, Michael Eric Dyson, Basic Civitas Books, 2003 Prince: A Thief in the Temple, Brian

I'm on page 216 of the Joe Vogel book!

2012-02-02T16:46:00.000Z

Message in from Jennifer from Canada! I MUST buy this book now. Hi Judith,I am just about through Joseph Vogel's book and am very happy someone has taken the time to write such material. You may have mentioned at one point that he asked if he could reference your work on MJ's connection to minstrelsy. There is a reference to you on page 216, in the section about "Is It Scary". Lots of great

"You're an Angry Dancer" - and an Angry Man

2012-02-01T00:16:00.001Z

Above: John Lydon, PIL"You're an angry dancer." These were the words Fred Astaire uttered to Michael Jackson after seeing him execute his amazing, epoch-defining Motown 25 performance of 'Billie Jean' (1983). But Jackson was not just an angry dancer, he was an angry singer, musician and lyricist. He was a very angry man! Those not lucky enough to have worked their way through this man's

A 'Murder' Has Been Committed!

2012-01-30T16:27:00.000Z

OMG, as the kids say. I today bought something called The Immacualte Mix from Poundland. Now, before you get all sniffy, I must add that this is where I bought Fun Lovin' Criminals superb album Come Find Yourself which has provided many hours of listening pleasure. So when I saw that there was a mix of Michael Jackson/The Jackson songs on this CD I thought, 'I'll give it a whirl.' Never has

Blues Away lyrics

2012-01-30T12:35:00.000Z

I'm listening to one of my favourite Michael Jackson songs today, 'Blues Away', from the album The Jacksons. This is said to be the first full song that he wrote and it is exquisite, little known by the masses and underrated. The lyrics, about unrequited love/longing are simple, the tune is wistful and very catchy. Note, though, when you hear it on CD, download, vinyl or whatever, that he uses

Catching Up with Black American Showmen, Punk Rock, and Hip Hop

2012-01-28T13:55:00.001Z

I've been involved in another non-music related writing project but that does not mean I've not been keeping up with my pop culture interests. Stephen Hudson - pic J Coyle Mostly I have been gong to gigs in my local area. In recent weeks I have seen original punk band, Peter and the Test Tube Babies, plus Dirt Box Disco, Mitford Rebel, and singer-songwriter Stephen Hudson plus a variety of

Hannah Frank exhibition in Lancaster - Entertainment - The Visitor

2012-01-24T12:21:00.000Z

Hannah Frank exhibition in Lancaster - Entertainment - The Visitor

A Message from Jennifer re Man in the Music

2012-01-17T00:28:00.000Z

I wanted to drop you a quick line to say that I am about halfway through Joseph Vogel's Man in the Music and am quite enjoying it. Because so much is already widely known about MJ's work and life, there is not always a lot of new material (at least in the first half), although it is great to see a comprehensive focus on his workmanship and artistry, with the over-the-top media coverage kept in

Beyonce Channels Janet Jackson in Latest Hit

2012-01-14T18:35:00.000Z

Just catching up with what's going on in the current youth culture scene and caught Beyonce's song and video for 'Who Run the World (Girls)' and was put in mind of Janet Jackson's 'Rhythm Nation' song and video from 1989, though Janet's version has a lot more artistic merit in my opinion. I admire Beyonce but Janet's look, moves and sound were austere in 'Rhythm Nation', a brave stance for a

Spoof of MJ Glee episode

2012-01-12T23:10:00.000Z

al sent me this link to a spoof of the Glee Michael Jackson episode - I thought it was hilarious. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYPKcbIpTPs

Move Like Michael Jackson Producer Dies at Just 47 Years Old.

2012-01-09T16:21:00.000Z

As reported in The Stage newspaper: Richard Hopkins, 47, was the co-founder and joint managing director of independent company Fever. The company specialises in game shows and factual entertainment productions and had produced Move Like Michael Jackson and Dancing on Wheels.Prior to Fever, Hopkins worked at the BBC, where he was creative head of format entertainment. In this role, he was

Gleeful Tribute to King of Pop

2012-01-08T17:05:00.000Z

I have never watched Glee but I gather that there is to be a full MJ episode on Jan 31st (I assume that is the US schedule date) Here is a collection of the songs that will be featured and who will perform them: 1. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' — Blaine and group2. Rock with You — Sebastian & Warblers3. Bad — Artie, Santana, Blaine, Sebastian4. Scream — Artie and Mike5. Never Can Say Goodbye —

Rosa Parks, Malcolm X

2012-01-04T18:05:00.000Z

Rosa McCauley, later Parks, born in Tuskegee, Alabama, on 4 February, 1913. On 1 December, 1955, Rosa Parks, left Montgomery Fair, the department store where she worked, and got on the same bus as she did every night. As always she sat in the "black section" at the back of the bus. When the bus became full, the driver instructed Rosa to give up her seat to a white person. This had happened to

Original Art Work: Welcome to artist Graham Lowe's ArtworkPlease vie...

2012-01-02T22:57:00.000Z

Original Art Work: Welcome to artist Graham Lowe's ArtworkPlease vie...: Welcome to artist Graham Lowe's Artwork Please view this site at your leisure and enjoy paintings. These pastel paintings are available...

Miss Havisham Has Elements of Michael Jackson in Ghosts

2011-12-27T22:50:00.001Z

Gillian Anderson, centre, as Miss Havisham, at Satis House, welcomes Pip Pirrip. Just watched the first episode of the new BBC One adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic Great Expectations. Gillian Anderson's portrayal of Miss Havisham is somewhat different from previous incarnations in that she plays her as a beautiful, faded, ethereal being rather than an aged, dessicated woman. While I was

Michael Jackson to Fred Astaire: Darcey Bussell on the dancers who inspired her | Radio Times

2011-12-22T17:07:00.000Z

Michael Jackson to Fred Astaire: Darcey Bussell on the dancers who inspired her | Radio Times

Dual Aspect Provides Focus for Artist Graham Lowe's New Solo Exhibition at The Dukes, Lancaster

2011-12-20T23:54:00.001Z

DUAL ASPECT PROVIDES FOCUS FOR GRAHAM LOWE’S NEW SOLO EXHIBITIONAT THE DUKES GALLERYARTIST GRAHAM LOWE brings together for the first time two aspects of his work for his new solo exhibition at The Dukes Gallery, Lancaster. ‘MIDDLE GROUND’ is the first exhibition of the year at The Gallery which presents work by some of the region's top artistic talent. The exhibition runs from 31 January to

Wizard of Oz - Did the Tin Man Get There First?

2011-12-08T01:03:00.000Z

From Jennifer: "I have just been catching up on your postings and thought you might find the following interesting. I was just watching The Wizard of Oz with my daughter (her first time and my first time in probably 20 years!) and was dumbstruck when I saw the Tin Man's first solo routine in the movie, when he is oiled and able to move around. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-RHfXZkT1g at

Q&A: Bob Giraldi on directing "Beat It" - Boards

2011-12-02T22:25:00.001Z

Q&A: Bob Giraldi on directing "Beat It" - Boards This is a great feature, published online not long after Michael Jackson's death in 2009. I learned a few things here: for example, that the 'Beat It' video was not influenced by West Side Story. Find that quite hard to believe but that's what Giraldi says.

Sheet Music for All Night Long - One of the best pop songs ever written

2011-12-02T22:09:00.000Z

Lionel Richie Documentary on BBC4 Tonight.

2011-12-02T17:26:00.000Z

21:00 BBC4 Lionel Richie: Dancing on the... ...Ceiling. Part of the All American season. 3/4. How Lionel Richie achieved his dream of becoming 'as big as the Beatles' and how the Commodores prepared him for success. Here is what the BBC website says about this programme: "After 15 years of soaring success with the Commodores, Lionel Richie left the group to go solo in what many

Joe Vogel on the Michael Jackson Trial

2011-11-20T18:33:00.001Z

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joe-vogel/michael-jackson-trial-_b_1068750.html The article talks about 'Is is Scary', the song, and the book references THIS BLOG!

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award 2011

2011-11-20T18:11:00.001Z

Although I am coming to this late I was prompted to blog about the MTV Video Music Awards because the award ceremony is being broadcast on UK TV as I type this. I have just witnessed the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (which is a Lifetime Achievement Award), being presented to Britney Spears as the 2011 winner. As the name suggests the award is given to musicians or directors who have

Hip-Hop Heraldry | ARTnews

2011-11-17T17:38:00.000Z

Hip-Hop Heraldry | ARTnewsGreat article about an artist who uses hip hop imagery in a form of heraldic art.

The Difference Between Hip Hop and Rap?

2011-11-17T17:31:00.000Z

http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/posts.php?discussion=jhbpgnmoufi0yjulaplwcj4d&page=0 Extractred these comments from the forum (see link) above... moastly for my own edification. Q: What is the difference between hip hop and rap? A1: It's a beat thing (from an instrumentalist's point of view). Hip-hop beats have very distinctive slightly swung, slow semiquaver feel that comes from a variety of

Comment About lyrics in hip hop

2011-11-17T17:17:00.000Z

When I first used to listen to hip hop on the Leaky Fresh Out To Distress show on Sunset 102 FM in c1991-3 I found the lyrics hilarious. I never in a million years envisiged a time when cosetted middle class english kids would be dressing and talking like that, and sometimes ACTING like that. My attitude to the lyrics has changed because of the change I've seen in the behaviour of some people

Behind the Minstrel Mask

2011-11-16T14:12:00.000Z

This is the book for those who want to know more about minstrelsy. A great read.

Secretive Blogger Keeps Thoughts to Self

2011-11-16T14:09:00.000Z

I had a lovely request from an academic person yesterday. I won't reveal names as the correspondence, was, I assume, private but she found me through "having read a suggestion about your work in Joe Vogel's new book on MJ." (Hurrah - he must have referenced me in his bibliography.) The writer said that she could not find my analyses of MJ in connection with minstrelsy on this blog. "I couldn't

Tito Speaks Warmly About Michael Jackson in The Guardian Newspaper

2011-11-06T21:55:00.000Z

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/nov/05/michael-jackson-brother-tito-family In this week's Saturday Guardian.

Prodigy versus Jay-Z with Michael Jackson link

2011-11-03T15:55:00.000Z

From Wiki - need to research this... If anyone knows more about this do get in touch. In 2001, Jay-Z spoke out against Prodigy after he took an issue with a Jay-Z line from "Money, Cash, Hoes" that he felt were subliminal shots at Mobb Deep and referenced Mobb Deep's beef with Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, and Death Row Records. He later performed a song "Takeover", at Summer Jam 2001, which

David Bowie and the 1970s

2011-11-01T22:18:00.000Z

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Who-Sold-World-David/dp/1847921442/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1320185639&sr=1-1 So excited by the publication of this book about Bowie's creativity from 1969 - 1980. The author, Peter Doggett, was interviewed on BBC Radio Four this evening on Front Row. Absolutely fascinating. I grew up on these albums and know every word of the lyrics, I think. Got to get this

To Read...A Review: Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work Of Michael Jackson, by Joe Vogel | Dot to Dot - Keeping Michael's Legacy Alive

2011-11-01T22:11:00.000Z

A Review: Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work Of Michael Jackson, by Joe Vogel | Dot to Dot - Keeping Michael's Legacy AliveVery indepth review of the book by Joe Vogel. The review is gushing in tone but worth a read as it does discuss the albums in some depth. This is the book that Vogel asked me to contribute to (in the form of ideas from this blog). I was thinking about this book just

D - Train 'You're the One for Me'

2011-10-28T13:16:00.000+01:00

http://www.lyricsday.com/D_TRAIN-You_Re_The_One_For_Me_Lyrics-lyrics-956655.html When not listening to Kanye West I am spinning my 7 inch vinyl version of this great track 'You're the One for Me', remixed by Paul Hardcastle, from 1985. I own the version pictured above. I bought it because it was played every week at Angels, Burnley, during that time and I would always dance to it. Such an

Gothic Masterpiece by Kanye West

2011-10-27T11:28:00.000+01:00

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/my-beautiful-dark-twisted-fantasy-20101109 I can not stop listening to this album from 2010 by Kanye West, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which I have borrowed from my friend and singer Stephen Hudson. The review from Rolling Stone is well worth a read. This is a very Gothic sounding work - as the title suggests. The review expresses it better

Bruno Mars Does James Brown

2011-10-24T16:28:00.000+01:00

Message in from Al. Check out the James Brown moves in this clip from X Factor starring Bruno Mars. "I haven't been watching X Factor but posts on Facebook alerted me to this so I thought I'd take a look. I just wondered what you thought of it, especially his 'James Brown' after 2.50. Personally I loved it, not particularly original, but a very slick, invigorating revival of good old-fashioned

Photo of Stone Roses by Richard Davis

2011-10-19T17:09:00.002+01:00

Pop culture fans should be interested in this superb photograph of Stone Roses taken by Richard Davis, a photographer and film maker who lives and works here in Lancaster. Stone Roses have just announced their reunion, making millions of ex-ravers and would-be rock ravers weep with joy. Richard says he took the picture outside court when Stones Roses were accused of allegedly causing up to

Put Yer MF Hands Up

2011-10-19T16:55:00.000+01:00

Right, call me naive, and beyond un-cool, but why in the realm of hip hop are we constantly urged: "Put your motherf*****' hands up?" What's that all about? can someone enlighten me, please?

Moving Michael!

2011-10-15T23:34:00.002+01:00

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150421118906281 This is fabulous!

Ideas for Hallowe'en Party

2011-10-05T00:18:00.000+01:00

So I've been invited to a Hallowe'en Party and it is fancy dress. What should I go as? Should I do the obvious and go as MJ in Thriller? I fancy something a bit more imaginative. Could go as MJ in Ghosts - but no-one would know who I was, I guess.

Tribute from Son to Father

2011-09-30T16:30:00.000+01:00

Don;t usually go for these fan-type pics but this is a bit different. Got this via J Randy's Facebook updates. He is covering the MJ/Conrad Murray court case, which I have purposefully not been following closely. All too tawdry!

The Art on Show at New Exhibition On Show - Jackson Works

2011-09-26T21:46:00.000+01:00

See these works at Unbox Shop, Brock Street, Lancaster.

Michael Jackson Art is in New Exhibition in Lancaster

2011-09-26T18:19:00.000+01:00

Showtime An Exhibition Inspired by Film, Theatre and MusicUrban Gift boutique and gallery [unbox] launches a showstopper of an exhibition from 13th September; “Showtime” is inspired by Film, Theatre and Music and amongst others features the work of iconic pop artist SIR PETER BLAKE. Visitors to the Brock Street store will be able to see the coolest of the cool from local and national artists

"Is this abrasive negro bothering you?"

2011-09-26T17:15:00.000+01:00

Just heard this hilarious phrase used on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air by Will Smith. He was, in the story, trying to impressive a girl. "Is this abrasive negro bothering you?" I don't know why it tickled me so much but it did. I only started watching TFPOBA a few years ago, when I found out that it was produced by Quincy Jones. Hell, that man has done everything.

Stripped Down Version of Give in to Me

2011-09-22T23:38:00.000+01:00

This is from Al ----Have you ever heard this version of Give In To Me. It sounds like the vocals from the Dangerous version, but because the familier instrumentation has been stripped away the voice seems to pack a greater emotional punch. I get goosebumps when he hits the chorus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6U-OOgHL7SY&feature=related I love it!

And another...

2011-09-19T23:17:00.000+01:00

Simon Hutchinson's model of Blackthorn. Also puts me in mind of the 'Scream' video - or Ghosts

Junk Punk Reminds Me of MJ in Scream

2011-09-19T23:10:00.000+01:00

This image was created by my friend, artist, Simon Hutchinson. He specialises in scary creatures - mostly models made out of 'junk' - hence the business name - Junk Punk. This image put me in mind of the alien-like Michael Jackson in the award-winning 'Scream' video.

Michael documentary and My Flirtation with Jay-Z

2011-09-05T21:19:00.002+01:00

Link to You Tube trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmL-K8lHVuU&feature=pyv First of all thanks to Al for sending me this link (above) to a trailer about a new documentary which appears to be produced by David Gest. It sounds as though it will be a fairly balanced effort. I hope so. And in other news I decided to expand my small collection of hip hop and rap records today so asked advice

Travis Payne and MJ in rehearsal

2011-08-30T19:39:00.000+01:00

This is well worth a look for any fan of the This is It film and music. Look at MJ in the 'Billie Jean' sequence. He looks relaxed and healthy and joky. And I love 2Bad as a song anyway so t see MJ and Travis rehearse to that is a real bonus. http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWechmG--9vo%26NR%3D1&h=qAQAtFOa_

Amir Khan and Beauty

2011-08-24T21:24:00.000+01:00

I think about and write about beauty a fair bit on this blog and when I stumbled across Amir Khan (British boxer) and his Facebook page I was reminded why, for me, he is probably the most beautiful man I have ever seen. Now this is important because Amir, a Muslim kid from Bolton, Lancashire, is, in many ways, the antithesis of of the kind of bloke we were supposed to find attractive and '

Pendle Witches

2011-08-18T23:22:00.000+01:00

Just watching The Pendle Witch Child on BBC4 about the Pendle Witches, witches of my native heath... Fab. Poet Simon Armitage presenting... Lots of refs to Lancaster Castle too. And many shots of Pendle Hill. Interestingly, the programme says it will draw parallels between the 1612 Witch Trials and witch hunts and small-mindedness seen today.

Dance Tribute to Michael Jackson

2011-08-05T12:01:00.000+01:00

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/artist/5005578 This looks fabulous. It is on at Blackpool Opera House. Diversity, the super-duper dance troupe, is appearing. Must look into this. Thanks to Al for alerting me.

Fire Island Mix Blood on the Dancefloor

2011-07-31T00:24:00.000+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTUAyh5P6cE Not a brill version of this amazing song but worth a look.

Thriller tops Dance Moves Poll

2011-07-20T17:35:00.000+01:00

A survey done by the Disney Channel has named Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' routine as the best dance routine of all performances by all people of of all time. 'Smooth Criminal' came fourth. Both routines were co-choreographed with Michael Peters, a man whom I must do some research on. I know he died from an Aids-related illness. he is the guy in the white suit in the Beat It video. His work is

Audience for Jackson Live

2011-07-18T01:47:00.000+01:00

As usual, Jackson's appeal crosses all age ranges and classes. At Lancaster Grand there were spectators aged from 3 to about 73. I'm not joking! I did not see any black or Asian people in the audience though. Admittedly, Lancaster does not have a huge Black or Asian population but I was surprised. A few groups of learning disabled people. And tons of little kids, some even in costume. There

2011-07-18T01:35:00.000+01:00

Struck by a Smooth Criminal? Or just criminal? No, seriously, the lad did well. Human Nature? It's like the 1995 MTV awards all over again... The Man in the Mirror Gets Raunchy with Blonde 'The Way You Make Me Feel' Dancer....

Jackson LIVE in Lancaster

2011-07-18T01:25:00.001+01:00

Went to see Amir Sharma's portrayal of Michael Jackson "in his prime" at The Grand Theatre, Lancaster, last night. It was well worth going. Started off a little limply - with the 'Jam' entrance - but unlike MJ, Amir did not leap out of a giant toaster! Then came 'Smooth Criminal', with the 45 degree lean rendered by suppoting artists grabbing his feet, but after that Amir and the dancers and

News in From Will Mastin Project

2011-07-13T10:03:00.000+01:00

Hi Judith. Just wanted to let you know that I have finally gotten started with my short film project, THE EMBASSY. I still have Will Mastin listed as one of the first 3 stories I plan to shoot, but decided to start a little closer to home with the story of JRL Diggs instead. If you want to keep up with my progress, you can follow my blog for the project at www.The-Embassy.info STEF Brought to

'Man in the Mirror' Provides Source for Relationship Advice

2011-07-06T17:06:00.000+01:00

As someone who has read more relationship books this last year than can fit in a library I was intrigued by this press release from an American PR agency. I think it would appeal to Deepak Chopra-reading Michael Jackson too. It reads:New York, New York (OPENPRESS) July 5, 2011 - 'Man In The Mirror', Michael Jackson's hit song, carries with it a profound message. When we look to make a change in

Original Angels card

2011-07-03T12:10:00.004+01:00

Here is the original Angels card that served to bring designer Wayne Hemingway and his future wife Geraldine together when they met at Angels nightclub, Burnley. Here is Wayne in his own words: This appeared on the Emmaus website - a charity based in Burnley to help homeless people. Sounds a bit of a cliche.... but the day that really did change my life was actually a Wednesday evening soul event

Angels, Burnley

2011-07-02T20:08:00.010+01:00

Was delighted to hear designer Wayne Hemmingway on BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends tonight talking about how he met his wife, Geraldine, at Angels nightclub, Burnley, at a Northern Soul night. Delighted because I spent vast amount of my growing up years in said nightclub. Although one conveyed a fashionable sense of ennui to all comers at that age (I was just underage though I never was a drinker) I

Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait

2011-06-30T20:06:00.004+01:00

Just came across this project called the Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait. Here's some info from the website... I've edited it down slightly for ease of reading.http://www.michaeljacksontributeportrait.comBy Jerry BiedermanOrganiser/Executive Producer, The Michael Jackson Tribute Portrait."David Ilan is a celebrity artist who uses only hand-drawn dots to create his portraits, a technique called

From Our Own Correspondent in Canada

2011-06-30T19:48:00.006+01:00

Had a lovely email from Jennifer in Canada who has followed this blog for some time. Here's an excerpt and some links she has provided. Check them out, especially the fab pic of Jermaine performing with Sonu Nigam. Jermaine performed a medley of hits including Michael Jackson's 'Scream,' 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin''and 'Can You Feel It?' by The Jacksons. Hi Judith, It has been awhile since I

My Funeral Song - Show You the Way to Go

2011-06-27T13:33:00.005+01:00

Being of a slightly maudlin bent I often think about which song I would like played at my funeral. Well, for some time now, I've fixed on 'Show You the Way to Go', released as a single in 1977, the full length version from The Jacksons album. I loved this song when I first heard it. I would have been 12 or 13. It combines everything I love in popular music - repetition, a lazy, flowing rhythm,

Marlon Jackson Accepts Induction - Speech

2011-06-24T13:15:00.002+01:00

http://bestofmichaeljackson.jclondon.com/2010/10/07/marlon-jacksons-acceptance-speech-for-michael-jacksons-induction-into-the-national-museum-of-dance-on-august-15th-2010/You can see the video Ligaya is talking about here, in the background, when Marlon Jackson makes an impassioned speech about his brother.

Galvanise yourselves to get Fab Video on You Tube

2011-06-24T12:58:00.004+01:00

Request to Post Michael Jackson Induction Dance Video on YouTube to Honor the Second Anniversary of Michael Jackson's DeathLigaya writes to us from America with a very special request: "Judith, (and Al), I want to ask you in honor of Michael Jackson’s 2nd Anniversary of his passing and in honor of his induction to the Dance Hall of Fame - to encourage & urge the National Dance Museum & Hall of

Hip Hop Human Nature Tribute

2011-06-24T12:55:00.000+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEjmqDhCr_4Thanks to Ligaya for pointing this one out.

Top legacy poll

2011-06-24T12:53:00.001+01:00

Top music legacy: Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Jiim MorrisonLigaya sent this in. She says: "Yet another candidate for Am I Scary -includes usually 2 videos from each musician, notes about each, then a poll - at last look, MJ far outdistanced everyone. IMO, MJ and John Lennon are neck & neck in influence and cultural impact; I voted for MJ. Of course, this is

David Fincher's Michael Jackson Video

2011-06-15T19:47:00.007+01:00

I watched for the first time the film 'The Game' last night, starring Michael Douglas and Sean Penn, directed by David Fincher. Today Fincher is one of the world's most successful film directors but his entry into the film world was through making pop music videos. Well before Se7en, Fight Club, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Social Network, Fincher directed Michael Jackson's '

Fab Guardian article about Off the Wall.

2011-06-12T11:01:00.005+01:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jun/11/michael-jackson-off-the-wallFab article about Michael Jackson's Off the Wall from The Guardian newspaper. I really like how he leads us to Stranger in Moscow, too, as being one of MJ's most private songs. Some great comments about Jackson's voice and the sense of restraint and coming-of-age.Here is a little extract but click on the link to read the

Studio 54 interview Michael Jackson

2011-06-07T11:18:00.003+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQAFmYGjaU4Michael Jackson was a visitor at the infamous Studio 54 while he was filming The Wiz. (He sgared an apartment with La Toya at the time) Liza Minnelli makes an appearance here too. Thanks to Al for the link.

Jackson 5 Anthology

2011-06-07T11:08:00.004+01:00

Picked this album up - on vinyl - from a charity shop in Settle recently. I was staying at the Horton Women's Holiday Centre for a couple of nights.There were a number of versions of this album released on Motown. The first one was a triple collection in 1976, then came this double album in 1977. It has a gatefold sleeve.The Antholgy album uses the original recordings and does not have that

Mackies Birthday Bash Has Saatchi & Saatchi CEO as speaker

2011-05-29T12:03:00.006+01:00

James Mackie thanks clients at the 10th Birthday Celebration Bash before Kevin Roberts gave his speech.Kevin Roberts, CEO worldwide for Saatchi & SaatchiKevin Roberts, a former Lancaster lad, now CEO at Saatchi & Saatchi, spoke at the 10th birthday celebrations for Mackies of Lancaster, interior design business. The party was for clients of Mackies, the people who have supported this super

Step Up 2: The Streets - image

2011-05-29T12:00:00.001+01:00

Such a shame dance movies are only marketed at the young these days.

Step Up 2: The Streets and MJ

2011-05-29T11:40:00.005+01:00

Had a bit of a TV-watching dance marathon last night. I saw a some of 'So You Think You Can Dance', the TV talent show. Two Michael Jackson musical outings there: one, a snippet of 'Beat It', and then for the rumba, a performance to 'Liberian Girl' - a definite rumba rhythm going on there.Then I saw, for the first time, Step Up 2: The Streets, a teen dance film. It's a real shame that these pics

Aloe Blaac Channels Minstrel Characters

2011-05-29T11:25:00.005+01:00

Saw Aloe Blaac on The Graham Norton Show performing his song, 'I Need a Dollar'. It was a good performance. I really had a feeling there were touches of the minstrel characters, Long Tail Blue and Zip Coon, here - albeit he was probably not purposefully taking on these traits. There was the outfit - very smart, white on black, and a jaunty trilby. He even had a 'Turkey in the Straw' type dance -

Chinese Granny Kicks it MJ Style

2011-05-12T11:25:00.000+01:00

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatches/globalpost-blogs/the-rice-bowl/chinas-got-talent-michael-jacksonLoved this - It made me laugh and I welled up a bit too. Just so much enthusiasm. His music and moves really do cross all barriers! The performance is on China's Got Talent.

Manika and Links to Michael Jackson

2011-05-12T11:18:00.000+01:00

"New artist Manika has interesting connections with MJ: Frank di Lleo as manager, Travis Payne is directing her video, multi-talented. Manika is multi-racial, including Filipino & Chinese," writes Am I Scary contributor Ligaya.http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110509005093/en/MANIKA-Release-Debut-Single-%E2%80%9CJust-Can%E2%80%99t-Go%E2%80%9DLigaya adds that she visited the Michael Jackson

Highfield Regeneration Project Open Day Success

2011-05-08T15:25:00.009+01:00

Local residents get stuck into the clean up; the plans for the project were on display. NB: permission to use photographs was obtained from the subjects. Looked in on the Open Day for the Highfield Regeneration Project, Lancaster, today. (Sunday 8 May). Highfield is on the edge of the city between the residential Freehold area and Williamson Park and the beautiful hillside cemetery off Quernmore

Hope My Words Made it into New Book on MJ

2011-05-04T12:40:00.003+01:00

It was in February 2010 that I submitted around 3,500 words I wrote back in 2007 about Michael Jackson and the Gothic tradition and Michael Jackson and Minstresly to Joe Vogel. (See book that's coming out - previous post). Joe is from the University of Rochester who who asked to see my writings which he said he may be able to use Man in the Music - The Definitive Guide to the Songs, Albums,

Joe Vogel and The Man in the Music

2011-05-04T12:36:00.003+01:00

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Man-Music-Creative-Michael-Jackson/dp/1402779380 Joe Vogel has also written some perceptive articles on Huffington Post, says Al. Joe Vogel contacted me some time ago to draw on writings from this blog. I hope he used some of the stuff he found and that I sent him and that we at Scary Towers fot a little teensy credit. Man in the Music: The Creative Life and Work of

Live Art at Arteria

2011-05-03T13:10:00.003+01:00

A heads up for those interested in watching art as it happens.... Contemporary gallery and design-led shop Arteria with Gallery 23 is hosting a live art/live window display at its Brock Street venue, Lancaster, in partnership with 'Lancaster Unlocked'.Visitors can watch artist Les Darlow paint Lancaster scenes on Saturday 28th May from 10am until 5pm. Blackpool-born Les is an enthusiast of the

Bear Cafe, Todmorden.

2011-04-28T17:55:00.001+01:00

The Bear Wholefood Shop and Cafe, Todmorden, West Yorkshire (although sometimes Todmorden is in Lancashire!)

Art Deco in Burnley?

2011-04-28T17:53:00.001+01:00

Art Deco-inspired architecture, Burnley town centre. Basil Ransome-Davis informs me that this was the house style for all Burton's stores and is not actually art deco. It is still quite a handsome building.

Burnley Library

2011-04-28T17:51:00.002+01:00

Burnley Library - find out about the Pendle Witches here.

Burnley Versus Gary, Indiana.

2011-04-19T17:21:00.013+01:00

One of the things that fascinated me about Michael Jackson and The Jacksons' upbringings was that they are from the industrial town of Gary, Indiana. In its heyday the town was the US's main producer of steel (hence Steeltown Records).Likewise, my home town, Burnley, Lancashire, UK, was once the centre of the world's cotton industry. Ghandi himself visited. Both towns - Gary and Burnley - suffer

Jackson Taught Bowie how to Dance Claim

2011-04-17T20:47:00.006+01:00

http://j5collector.blogspot.com/2010/11/when-michael-danced-with-david-bowie.htmlAm currently trying to discover various links between my two great popular music heroes, Michael Jackson and David Bowie. Just stumbled across this - a story about how when Tito and Dee Dee Jackson hosted a party for Al Green MJ taught Bowie how to do the Robot dance... Bowie went on to perform on 'Soul Train', the

Thriller Represents Major Crossover Triumph

2011-04-08T21:22:00.005+01:00